The Midwives
Elaine Keller-Duemig, CNMElaine joined Central Park Midwifery in 2013. She and the founder, Georgia Rose, worked together for a year prior to Georgia's retirement. Georgia was gracious enough to leave the practice with Elaine, and she and the other CPM midwives have been honored to carry on the CPM legacy.
Becoming a midwife was Elaine's dream for many years. During her journey, she earned a bachelor's degree in Women's Studies and a certificate in LGBT studies from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Having never lived anywhere outside of Wisconsin, Elaine moved to Connecticut to earn her nursing degree at Quinnipiac University. After working as a labor and delivery nurse, she followed her dream of becoming a midwife and moved to New York to attend Columbia University to earn her midwifery degree while also working as a nurse. Elaine worked at Mt Sinai West as a nurse and she always wanted to return as a midwife. Before joining CPM, Elaine worked with a physician in a busy private practice in New Jersey. Elaine favors the continuity and close relationships that develop with clients and their families while working in a private practice setting. Elaine speaks basic Spanish. Elaine lives in Brooklyn with her husband Fred, daughter Fiona and their two cats, Penny and Harry. Fiona was born at the birthing center at Mount Sinai West. She enjoys the beach and traveling. |
Jenna Sood, CNMJenna is thrilled to be joining Central Park Midwifery in the summer of 2020! Her approach to midwifery is founded on a lifelong exploration of feminism, psychology, sexuality, spirituality, and embodiment. She is deeply committed to providing a safe and sacred space for all people and families that she works with.
Jenna completed her undergraduate degree at Colby College, where she studied both Neurobiology and Studio Art. This duality between science and creativity is present in her approach to most parts of life. She moved to New York in 2014 to complete her degrees in Nursing and Midwifery at Columbia University, where she became a part of a vivid community, passionate about reproductive justice in healthcare. Jenna even did one of her clinical rotations with midwives at Mount Sinai West. After graduation, she spent 3.5 years at Jamaica Hospital, providing care for an integrated community in the heart of Queens. The first birth Jenna attended was when she was 7 years old, and her childhood cat was having kittens. Jenna supported her by singing “I Will Always Love You,” by Whitney Houston, repeatedly! While Jenna’s supportive methods have expanded and evolved since then, she continues to bring a full and present heart to every birth she attends. Jenna lives in Brooklyn with her partner, Nina, their sweet dog, Rosie, and the occasional foster pup. She spends most of her free time outdoors, and can often be found camping upstate or swimming in the ocean. At home, she brings the outdoors in, and surrounds herself with an ever-expanding collection of houseplants. |
Christina McPherson, CNMChristina joined Central Park Midwifery in March 2019. Her journey here began as a little girl with the fascination ignited by her own birth photos. She flirted with the idea of medical school and completed pre-med coursework alongside her BA in psychology at Barnard College in 2004. She then worked for four years as a research assistant in neuroendocrinology at The Rockefeller University before midwifery steered her back on course with its client-focused, team-based model that prioritizes the individual’s agency and dignity. She then returned to Columbia University, where she earned a BS in nursing and MS in midwifery.
In 2011, she began her career with the midwives at Jamaica Hospital in Queens, where she spent more than 7.5 years, focusing on providing education and access to care for a primarily underserved population. Although birth work is initially what called her to midwifery, she has also developed a passion for family planning and for breaking down barriers to contraceptive access. Christina speaks medically proficient, conversational Spanish and basic French. She lives in Queens and enjoys singing, theater, yoga, skiing, knitting, and rooting for her beloved Red Sox and Patriots (but don’t worry, she plays nicely with NY sports fans). |
Our Practice Administrator
Megan MettlerMegan joined the CPM team in May 2020. She is excited for the opportunity to work with the midwives and learn more about such an amazing field and practice. Her previous work has mostly been in research, so she is grateful to now experience the patient care aspects of healthcare.
Megan is originally from California and grew up in Orange County (right by Disneyland!). For high school she attended a small boarding school outside of Santa Barbara but wanted to experience life in the big city which led her to attend Barnard College. She will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and Behavior in February 2021. Megan is also currently working to fulfill her remaining pre-nursing coursework as she’s preparing to apply to nursing school in the near future. Her goal is to become a nurse midwife and practice while promoting women’s health. Megan lives in Morningside Heights with her fur baby, a dog named Maisie. She enjoys watching all sorts of TV shows, attempting to cook, and ZOOMing with far away family and friends. |
CPM Herstory
Georgia Rose, CNMCentral Park Midwifery was started by Georgia Rose. She was in private practice for 14 years and attended over 1600 deliveries. Georgia was always amazed and in awe of the wisdom of birth and the power of women. "Each woman has an innate knowledge of how she will give birth because she comes from a long line of successful mothers." Georgia wanted to help each woman discover her own wisdom and to encourage and support her unique journey to a positive and joyful birth experience.
In 2013, Georgia decided to expand the practice and prepare for her upcoming retirement. Elaine joined Georgia in December 2013. Since 2015, we have continued to carry on Georgia's legacy and wisdom. |